Bioresponsive microspheres for on-demand delivery of anti-inflammatory cytokines for inflammatory arthritis

Statement of Purpose: Inflammatory arthritis (IA) is a degenerative joint disease commonly associated with chronic inflammation and subsequent cartilage damage. The pro-inflammatory and catabolic cytokines secreted by inflamed chondrocytes and macrophages are the major factors in progressing IA. Alleviating the inflammation through local delivery of therapeutics, although effective, is limited by short intra-articular half-lives. We have developed gelatin-based injectable microspheres (µSP) that exhibits degradation and drug delivery controlled by the proteolytic enzymes typically expressed during IA flares. Since the drug delivery is dependent on the disease activity, the µSP will prolong the therapeutic effect and the residence time of the drugs.